Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Recycling Partner in Cornwall
Established in 1998, we are a family-run business dedicated to transforming green and wood waste into valuable resources that benefit both the environment and local communities. Our expertise in waste management has enabled us to divert over 500,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, creating high-quality compost that supports sustainable agriculture and gardening. With two operational sites in Hayle and Roche, we provide tailored recycling solutions for commercial contractors, local authorities, and farmers while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Our team of experienced professionals utilises specialist machinery to process waste efficiently, ensuring compliance with the Compost Association Accreditation standards.Through innovative practices such as water recycling and ground-source heating, we continually strive to reduce our carbon footprint. Our long-term partnership with SUEZ Recycling & Recovery UK Ltd underscores our industry credibility, while our community engagement initiatives reflect our dedication to promoting sustainability education. We combine decades of agricultural experience with modern waste management techniques to deliver cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions that align with Cornwall's circular economy principles.
Services
Green Waste Recycling
Compost Production
Machinery Hire
Wood Waste Processing
Bulk Compost Sales
Waste Collection Services
Recycling Consultation
Sustainable Resource Management
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have diverted over 500,000 tonnes of waste from landfill since 1998
- Our family-run business combines agricultural expertise with modern recycling techniques
- We hold Compost Association Accreditation for quality compost production
- Specialist machinery processes green and wood waste efficiently on-site
- Community-focused approach with educational initiatives and charity partnerships
Associations and certifications
- Compost Association
Services
Green Waste Recycling
We process garden and horticultural waste through controlled composting systems to create nutrient-rich soil improvers. Our facilities handle commercial quantities from local authorities and contractors, transforming waste into certified compost that meets Compost Association standards. This sustainable solution reduces landfill use while providing farmers and gardeners with eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilisers.
Machinery Hire
Specialist recycling equipment is available for hire with experienced operators, including Doppstadt shredders and screeners for material processing. Our fleet includes swing shovels and loading shovels for handling large volumes of organic materials. We provide both short-term rentals and full operational support to help businesses manage their waste processing requirements efficiently.
Compost Production
Our composting process follows strict quality protocols, producing 20mm screened compost for gardens and 40mm agricultural-grade compost. Each batch undergoes independent laboratory testing to ensure purity and effectiveness. The resulting product improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and provides essential nutrients for sustainable crop production and landscaping projects.
Wood Waste Management
We process clean and treated wood waste from construction and demolition sites, separating materials for different end uses. Recyclable wood is converted into chipboard feedstock while suitable timber is repurposed for energy generation. Our systems maximise resource recovery while minimising environmental impact through controlled processing and quality assurance procedures.
Bulk Material Handling
Our logistics solutions include bulk transportation of green and wood waste using 32-tonne skip lorries and tipper trucks. We offer collection services for commercial loads and support backloading operations to improve transport efficiency. The service includes weighbridge facilities at both our Hayle and Roche sites for accurate load measurement and documentation.
People
John Richards
Founder
Co-founded the business in 1998 alongside farming operations. Developed the recycling division while maintaining agricultural expertise. Transferred operational leadership to his son James while retaining strategic oversight. Brings over 25 years of experience in sustainable waste management and agriculture.
James Richards
Operations Manager
Joined the company in 2013 after agricultural studies and international experience. Oversees daily operations with HGV qualifications and machinery expertise. Combines practical experience from farming and waste management sectors. Focuses on improving processing efficiency and maintaining quality standards.
Felicity Richards
Strategic Director
Co-founder with agricultural business management background. Chartered Waste Manager with CIWM accreditation. Focuses on strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and sustainability initiatives. Leads community engagement programs and represents the company at industry events while maintaining environmental stewardship principles.
Martin
Site Manager
Joined in 2006, progressing from shovel operator to Roche site manager. Brings practical farming and machinery experience to operations. Focuses on process improvements and team development. Manages day-to-day site activities while maintaining safety and efficiency standards across processing operations.
Neil
Roche Site Manager
Recycling industry professional with 10 years' composting experience. Joined in 2019, bringing management expertise from previous roles. Oversees Roche site operations with emphasis on quality control and process optimisation. Combines technical knowledge with practical implementation of sustainable waste management practices.
Questions
What types of waste do you recycle?
We specialise in green waste and wood waste processing from commercial contractors, local authorities, and agricultural sources.
How is your compost quality assured?
All compost batches undergo independent laboratory testing and follow Compost Association quality protocols for consistency and safety.
Can I hire machinery without an operator?
Our Doppstadt screener is available without an operator for qualified personnel holding CITB certification.
Do you support local community initiatives?
We actively engage with community groups and support charities including Cornwall Air Ambulance and local hospices.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service area covers Cornwall and surrounding South West England regions for collection and delivery.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Matt Thompson
Dec 02, 2021
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Outstanding source of peat free compost for the environmentally conscious. Extra points for great customer service.
Helen Venus
May 30, 2020
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With not a bag of compost to be had in West Penwith, we were looking for alternative sources and found The Green Waste Company. Wonderful compost and fabulous staff. Can't recommend highly enough!
